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Backpacker Magazine – September 2008

Extreme Layering: Cold-Weather Clothing

Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.

by: Annette McGivney, Photos by Sethhughes.com

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Rab Ascent

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Cloudveil Koven Plus

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ARC'TERYX Kappa AR Pant

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The North Face Omen Power Stretch

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Sierra Designs DriZone Booties

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Outdoor Research Criterio

All weights are for men's large (unless otherwise noted), on BACKPACKER scales.

For more in-depth apparel reviews, check out our exclusive online Apparel Guide supplement.

Extreme Cold | Extreme Heat | Extreme Rain | Extreme Versatility

INSULATION

Rab Ascent
One game tester used this super-puffy 650-fill down parka in lieu of a sleeping bag in Colorado's Pawnee National Grasslands. Even though temps dipped below freezing, he reported snoozing soundly inside his bivy sack with the Ascent (plus a soft shell draped over his legs). Supple Pertex shell fabric makes the Ascent water and wind resistant, breathable, and stuffable down to football size. Large, zippered handwarmer pockets offer plenty of storage, and a generously insulated, detachable, wire-brimmed hood sheds snow without blocking vision. And the price is right. $185; men's S-XXL, women's 8-16; 1 lb. 15 oz.; rab.uk.com. Reader service #101

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READERS COMMENTS

Fix this website. Description doesn't follow selection.
Posted: Dec 07, 2010 John

Add Warm Skin to your warm coats for an extra layer of cold weather protection. Warm Skin has been used by Artic explorers.
www.warmskin.com
Posted: Nov 10, 2010 David Frenkel

Is this jacket too bulky to wear under a shell if necessary?
Posted: Jan 23, 2009 Bryan

Does anyone know if that color of the Rab Ascent Jacket has been discontinued? I can't find it anywhere?
Posted: Jan 18, 2009 Mike NH

yes to all the above. I find myself using the search box just to try to find product reviews because there is no other way to find what I am looking for.

Posted: Jan 02, 2009 anna

backpacker.com is one of the most frustrating sites I've ever encountered. It holds a wealth of useful information, but is organized worse than a five year old's toy box. Please hire someone to turn this site into what it should be.
Posted: Dec 18, 2008 dan

i agree whole-heartedly.

and thanks to dan and andy, i can now navigate around this stie.

thanks, guys!
Posted: Oct 11, 2008 erichapman

+1 on Dan's post
Posted: Oct 09, 2008 TMick

It's true what Dan said! Either use the numbers on the picture or the catagories or both to change the view. I kept changing the numbers on the picture and nothing happened with the review until I read Dan's comment.
Posted: Oct 09, 2008 Andy Stotz

why is your review section so confusing!!! it's impossible to figure anything out... let alone leave a review because nothing ever matches up. time for a complete revamp. seriously.
Posted: Oct 03, 2008 dan